Rengga and Ratnasari turned around and faced backward almost simultaneously. They saw a man dressed entirely in black standing near a large tree, displaying a hostile demeanor.The scout had no choice but to step out of hiding. He didn’t want the man and woman to leave before he understood why they had burned down the village. However, his elders hadn’t arrived yet, which put him at risk if he tried to stop them alone.He realized that his life was in grave danger if he insisted on confronting them. Judging by their physical characteristics, he could tell they were skilled warriors.Since the black-clad man showed no intention of advancing, Rengga and Ratnasari decided to take the initiative. They walked toward him.“Damn it...! Why are they coming this way?” the scout cursed internally, regretting his decision to reveal himself.He glanced behind him, hoping his comrades had arrived, but he saw no one. His face paled, and fear

Rengga’s doubts turned out to be correct. Slowly but surely, the twin-faced old warriors began to pressure him. His left arm even got slightly grazed by the tip of Abhinaya’s sword, which he failed to parry. However, he still had confidence in holding his ground with the sword in his grasp.Although it wasn’t a direct hit, it was enough to prove that these two were not to be underestimated. It made sense that Abhinaya and Abhirama were Mandalasura’s right-hand men in controlling the Shadow Demon Sect.Elsewhere, Ratnasari had already drawn her Black Eagle twin swords. Despite being individually superior to the people surrounding her, they had a formation that made things difficult for her.Her black-bladed swords moved swiftly, blocking attacks. It wasn’t that she wasn’t trying to break through their formation, but every time she attempted a counterattack, two or three strikes came at her simultaneously. That made it incredibly difficult for her

English Translation (with "Dirga" changed to "Arya")In sync with Abhirama’s shock, Abhinaya even rubbed his eyes in disbelief at what he was witnessing. A handsome young man had suddenly appeared, standing in front of the man they were both attacking. He wasn't just standing there; he had become a shield, protecting their opponent’s body.Moreover, his body emitted a bright red aura filled with an unusual energy—an energy that neither of them could detect.On the other hand, Rengga still had his eyes shut. His thoughts made him feel as if he were no longer alive. He was certain that the explosion he had just heard was the end of his life.But his assumption changed when he heard Abhinaya speaking, seemingly addressing someone."Who are you, young man? Why are you interfering in our business?"Rengga opened his eyes. Before him stood someone with his back turned. Someone he knew very well, even though he had not yet seen his face

"Bastard...! What kind of warrior are you? Why did you attack me when I was off guard?" Abhirama snapped in frustration.Arya chuckled mockingly. He understood well that dark-path warriors always believed themselves to be in the right."Don't black-path warriors hold the principle that any means necessary should be used because victory is all that matters? And that is exactly the principle I am using to fight against you."The handsome young man knew that his attack earlier would have no real effect except causing pain in his opponent's head.If his powerful kick had struck a mid- or lower-tier warrior, their head would have shattered instantly. But because his target was a skilled warrior, there was no major impact."It is only natural for dark-path warriors to use any means to win. But you... aren't you a light-path warrior? Why are you using such dirty tricks?" Abhirama retorted, mocking Arya in return."Who said I belong to the light path?" Arya furrowed his brow. "For me, darknes

"Don't be too confident that you can defeat me, Young Man... Feel my attack!" Abhinaya leaped high into the air, then shot forward quickly, drawing his sword and swinging it towards Arya's neck."Storm-Sweeping Sword!"Arya's instincts kicked in immediately. He hadn't expected that in the final moment, his opponent would draw his sword and slash toward his neck. The young man pulled his body down to evade the attack.The energy released from Abhinaya's sword struck the ground hard, scattering sand and small stones, creating a thick cloud of dust that obscured visibility.But it didn't stop there. Seeing his opponent in a disadvantaged position, one of the elders of the Shadow Devil Sect launched another rapid attack. Arya used his footing as a springboard to leap backward.Once again, a thick cloud of dust billowed into the air as the soft earth at the forest's edge was struck by the energy blast from Abhinaya's sword. As a result, severa